HMS Prince of Wales to Be Awarded Freedom of City in Liverpool

The Royal Navy’s aircraft carrier, HMS Prince of Wales, is scheduled to receive a significant civic honor upon its return to its affiliated city, marking its first visit in four years. The vessel, HMS Prince of Wales, will be presented with a freedom of the city award when it arrives in Liverpool on 2 December for a week-long stay. This visit will be the ship’s first to the city in four years. This largest ship of the Royal Navy will berth at the Cruise Liner Terminal on the River Mersey, offering visitors an opportunity to learn about life aboard the vessel, which is based in Portsmouth. During its time docked, approximately 800 crew members are also slated to visit local schools, engage with community projects, and meet with civic leaders. The last visit of HMS Prince of Wales to Liverpool occurred in March 2020, immediately preceding the nationwide lockdown initiated at the outset of the coronavirus pandemic. In 2020, around 20,000 individuals visited the ship, and its commanding officer, Captain Will Blackett, expressed his hope for a comparable reception upon its return. Captain Blackett stated: “It is a great privilege to bring the ship to Liverpool – a city with very special historical links to the Royal Navy – and it is a particular honour for us to receive the Freedom of the City. “The ship’s company deserve recognition for their remarkable efforts, and this visit allows us to show you what we do.” Sub Lieutenant Yasemin Dilek, a native of Liverpool, is among the crew members. She described the ship as a “home away from home,” noting on-board reminders like passageway signs named Smithdown Road, Matthew Street, and Anfield. Dilek remarked: “I believe we take a part of Liverpool everywhere we go,” adding, “I’m certain the first sight of those two Liver birds, set against our gorgeous city skyline, as we bring the ship through the River Mersey to our berth, will be a highlight which I will cherish for the rest of my career.” A freedom parade is scheduled for 6 December, marking the initial occasion for the sailors to commemorate receiving the city’s preeminent civic distinction. Additionally, a primary passageway on the ship will be renamed Penny Lane, after the classic Beatles song, featuring a street sign contributed by Lord Mayor, Councillor Richard Kemp, on behalf of the city. Throughout the week, a ceremonial sunset demonstration will be conducted, with support from the Corps of Drums of His Majesty’s Royal Marines. Furthermore, thousands of visitors are anticipated to board the ship when its gangway is opened to the public for a ticketed event on 7 and 8 December. Audiences can access additional content from BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story ideas may also be submitted to northwest.newsonline@bbc.co.uk. This content is subject to copyright by BBC, 2024, with all rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external sites. Information regarding its approach to external linking is available for review.